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Horticultural Maintenance Request - Allotments

Did you know you can use the Find My Local application to find allotment sites near you or to find the name of the site that you need.

You can use the above buttons to report allotment horticultural maintenance that is needed or report a need for repairs to site facilities on sites managed by the Allotments Service.

The Allotments Service manages the horticultural maintenance of common areas of allotments and vacant plots. Maintenance includes programmed mowing of grass areas, hedge trimming, ditch clearance and all vacant plots are strimmed .We are also responsible for site repairs such as leaking taps and broken fences however plot holders are responsible for repairs to sheds or greenhouses on their own plot.

On sites managed by Allotments Associations plot holders should report any horticultural maintenance problems or repairs to the Allotment Site Committee who are responsible for co-ordinating site repairs and maintenance in liaison with the Allotments Service.

The reporting form is for use by plot holders on sites managed by the Allotments Service. Plot holders on sites managed by an Allotments Association should report any problems initially to a member of their Allotment Site Committee.

Programmed maintenance is carried out by our Grounds Maintenance Contractors on communal areas and vacant plots. Details of maintenance schedules are available from the Allotments Site Committee or the Allotments Service.

Many people take on an allotment to grow healthy crops without them being doused in chemicals, which can be the case with commercial crops. This makes sense as we are entitled to know what we are eating.

As plot holders, you can choose whether to spray or apply artificial aids to your crops. However, remember to keep an open mind on the various chemicals available to the gardener. Used correctly, they can be a very effective tool, giving great benefit in the production of clean crops and easy maintenance of the plot.

It is most important to read the label on the product, making sure you have the right chemical for the task in hand and:

Use glove and eye protection when making up your spray.

Only use the correct dilution of chemical to the correct volume of water - NO MORE, NO LESS.

Store all used chemicals safely.

Never transfer chemicals into bottles or unmarked containers.

If in doubt as to which product to use, never be afraid to ask an experienced gardener.

Remember, depending on how chemicals are used or abused will determine the effectiveness to your crops and plot.

Not all allotment gardeners are horticultural experts and novices will be in the company of knowledgeable gardeners who can offer tips and, often with little persuasion, seeds or cuttings. It may take 3 or 4 years to get on top of your plot so don’t feel you have to accomplish everything in the first season. The key is ‘little and often’ and controlling the uncultivated areas by strimming or spraying.

Where the standard of cultivation becomes unacceptable, the Allotments Association will normally seek to discuss this with the plotholder. This may then be expressed in a Letter of Concern setting a specific timescale for improvement. Ultimately, in the absence of improvement, a Notice of Re-Entry will be served by the City Council which can result in the termination of the tenancy.

Yes, bonfires are permitted on allotments/plots. However, there are strict rules regarding bonfires which must be adhered to.

Allotment Rule 6.2 Bonfires are only permitted during the months of March and November for the burning of diseased plant material. Fires should not be allowed to cause a nuisance to neighbouring residents and under no circumstances should be left unattended. Where local circumstances necessitate, bonfires may not be permitted at any time.